3 Gay Wedding Hot-Spots

Great gay-friendly destinations for your special day

San Francisco, Boston and Brighton all have solid traditions of being progressive and open-minded so there is no surprise that they have long been popular gay travel destinations. Now that gays are allowed to marry in all three cities, gay lovers are rewarding their dedication to marriage equality by spending hard-earned pink dollars on a booming same-sex wedding industry.

San Francisco, California

The City by the Bay has a long tradition of welcoming people of all colors and orientations, and the world-famous Castro District has been the center for gay and lesbian culture for more than a generation.

Ten years ago, San Francisco’s mayor Gavin Newsome ordered the city clerk to issue the first same-sex marriage certificates in the United States, and even though the marriages were annulled four months later, the move cemented San Francisco’s status as the premier gay-friendly city in the country.

Many legal battles and court rulings later, California finally legalized gay marriage in June 2013 and San Francisco can now boast a booming wedding industry that offers everything from specialized gay wedding planners to a all gay women dance band for your wedding reception.

Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts was the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage, back in 2004, and the beautiful, old streets of Boston has carried many happy gay couples ever since. It is one of the most politically progressive and socially liberal cities in the country, with a very visible GLBT community.

Boston offers a wonderful blend of stylish sophistication and historic New England charm that can create the picture-perfect backdrop for any romantic occasion. Walking through cobbled colonial lanes, gazing at beautiful art, riding along the Charles River, dining in the North End and relaxing in a Jacuzzi. All the right stuff to get your married life off on the right foot.

The city’s gay bar and club scene is scattered around town, but the South End and Tremont Street area is the traditional gay neighborhood even though it in reason years also has become one of the city’s most pricey and exclusive.

Brighton, UK

As the UK in 2014 finally joined the rank of countries allowing gay marriages, the gay-friendly beach town of Brighton on the south-coast of England became a natural wedding destination for same-sex couples.

With its laid back atmosphere, and the unofficial status as the gay capital of the UK, Brighton has long been a favorite for civil partnership ceremonies and has a large number of venues to accommodate all your nuptial needs.

The city hosts one of the most popular Pride festivals in Europe and has a thriving gay scene with many gay bars and clubs, as well as a variety of attractions, festivals, museums, and theatre.